DOHA- Qatar Airways (QR) has become the world’s first airline to operate Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking another milestone in its onboard connectivity programme. The airline has also completed the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 fleet, bringing its total number of connected widebody aircraft to 150.
Operating from Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Airways (QR) continues to expand complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi across its global network. The carrier expects to complete Starlink installation across its entire Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026 while maintaining one of the aviation industry’s fastest retrofit programmes.
Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Across Boeing 787 Fleet
Qatar Airways has strengthened its position as the global leader in inflight connectivity by becoming the first airline to introduce Starlink on Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The latest achievement follows the completion of Starlink installation across the airline’s Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in just seven months.
With this milestone, Qatar Airways now operates 150 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, making it the world’s largest operator of Starlink-enabled Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787 fleets.
The airline remains on schedule to complete Starlink installation across every Boeing 787 in its fleet before the end of 2026. The rollout builds on earlier achievements, including the completion of the Boeing 777 programme in only nine months and the Airbus A350 programme in eight months.
High-Speed Internet Across Long-Haul Flights
Qatar Airways introduced Starlink connectivity in October 2024 and became the first airline to offer the service on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents.
Passengers can access complimentary gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi on eligible flights through simple Privilege Club authentication or enrollment. Local regulations at certain airports may limit gate-to-gate availability.
The service delivers internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps, allowing passengers to browse the web, stream content, work remotely, participate in video calls where permitted, and stay connected throughout their journey.
The airline says the expansion allows more travelers to remain connected while flying between destinations in the Americas, Australasia, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
More Than 23 Million Passengers Connected
Since the service launched, more than 23 million passengers have used Starlink Wi-Fi on over 86,000 Qatar Airways flights.
The airline currently operates as many as 323 Starlink-equipped flights every day, making high-speed internet an increasingly common feature across its international network.
According to Qatar Airways, its Starlink installation programme has now surpassed 83 percent completion, making it the fastest widebody Starlink deployment in commercial aviation.
The growing availability of onboard connectivity reflects the airline’s strategy of improving the passenger experience through digital innovation while reducing the gap between life on the ground and life in the air.
Award-Winning Airline Continues Network Expansion
Qatar Airways continues to receive international recognition for both service quality and operational performance.
The airline was named the World’s Best Airline for the ninth time at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. It also received awards for World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and Best Airline in the Middle East.
Cirium also awarded Qatar Airways its Platinum recognition for operational reliability, highlighting the airline’s consistent performance across its global network.
From its hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Airways serves more than 160 destinations worldwide. The airport has been recognized by Skytrax as the Best Airport in the Middle East for 11 consecutive years and has previously been named the World’s Best Airport.
Beyond passenger experience, Qatar Airways also maintains environmental leadership as the first airline in the Middle East to achieve the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification. The carrier was also the first airline globally to be certified against the aviation industry’s standard for preventing illegal wildlife trafficking.
Bottom Line
Qatar Airways has reinforced its leadership in inflight connectivity by becoming the first airline to operate Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
With 150 connected widebody aircraft already in service and the Boeing 787 rollout expected to finish by the end of 2026, the airline continues to set new benchmarks for onboard internet access, offering millions of passengers fast, complimentary connectivity across its expanding global network.
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